Sound-box.



No. 793,012. PATENTED JUNE 20, 1905.

H. G. MILLER.

SOUND BOX.

APPLICATION FILED OCT. 29, 1904.

2 SHEETS-SHEET l.

PATENTED JUNE 20, 1905.

H. G. MILLER.

SOUND BOX.

APPLICATION FILED 001. 29, 1904.

2 SHEETBSHEBT 2.

I e z aWdZer UNITED STATES Patented June 20, 1905.

H ENEY U. MILLER, OF WATERFOEI). NFAV YORK.

SOUND-BOX.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 793,\. 12, dated June 23, 1905.

Application filed October 29, 1904. Serial N- 230.539.

To 107/ Who/1t if 71m concern/.-

Be it known thatI, I'TENRYC. MILLER, a citizen of the United States, residing at \Vaterford, State of New York, have invented new and useful Improvements in Sound-Boxes, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to improvements in soundboxes for talking-machines.

The object of the invention is to provide a sound-box with a working and a sympathetic diaphragm, in combination with a yielding stylus mounted in bearings having means for automatically takin up wear at the bearingpoints and means fixing the take-up means after it is set, the purpose of such construction being to reduce the scraping sound so prevalent with sound-boxes, as well to give accurate inflections and articulations and regulate the sound produced.

Many other objects and advantages will be hereinafter referred to and be particularly pointed out in the claims.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is aside elevation, partially in section, of a sound-box operatively related to a talking-machine and record. Fig. 2 is an edge view of my improved sound-box. Fig. 3 1s a vertical section of the same on the line 2 2, Fig. 2.v Fig. 4 is a detail vertical section of the bearings for the needle-carrying bar. Fig. 5 is an edge view of the needle-earrying bar and stylus. Fig. (3 is a face view of the same. Fig. 7 is a horizontal section on the line 1 1, Fig. 1, the sounding-bar and stylus being omitted. Fig. 8 is a face view of the working diaphragm. Fig. .1 is a section of the same. Fig. 10 is a face view of a sympathetic diaphragm. F ig. I 1 is a section of the same. Figs. 12, 13, and H are face views of various sizes of reducingwashers. Fig. is a detail section of one of the washers having a rubber face. Fig. 16 is a diagrammatic view showing the vertical yielding of the stylus.

The same numerals refer to like parts in all the figures.

1 indicates a sound-box of preferred shape, open at its ends and formed with an opening 1 in its periphery. Extending radially from the periphery of the sound-box are two lugs and (3, one being split and having a screw '7 and the other being threaded at S to receive a threaded bearing 9. The lug 5 has a barrel 10, in which works a bearing 11, and between its head and the top of the barrel is a spring 12. The opposing faces of the bearing 10 and bearing 1) are provided with seats 14 and 15, respectively. Around the outer edges of one side of the sound-box are openings 16, from which project threaded pins 17, en gagcd by nuts 18.

On the inside of the box and approxi mately opposite opening 4 is a seat 19 to receive a working diaphragm 20, the latter being preferably slightly thickened at about its center. The diaphragm 20 rests on a thin yielding, preferably rubber, washer 21 and against its opposite side bears a rubber ring 22, having a notch 23 adjacent the opening 4. A sympathetic diaphragm 2-} rests on the ring 22, and against the opposite side of the diaphragm 24. is a washer 25, provided with rubber facings. A cover-plate 26, having a flange 27 and perforations 28, serves to hold the parts together. The flange 27 fits within the sound-box and against the washer 25, the perforations 2S engaging the pins 17, and the nuts 18 hold the parts together. The nuts permit the operator to regulate the compression between the coverplate 26 and the parts within the sound-box. By tightening the nuts the vibrations of the two diaphragms may be increased or decreased. An. opening 30 is formed in the cover-plate 26, and from this opening extends a sound-tube 31.

32 indicates a needle bar provided with conical bearing-points 33 and 3-1, one of which fits in the opening 1-1 and the other fits in the opening 15. The joints formed between the points and their bearings are such that they will yield slightly under pressure, as will be explained hereinafter. Extending from the bar 32 is the stylus 35, consisting of a flat piece of yielding material forked to form two arms 36 36. the inner adjacent ends of which are contracted to firmly bear against opposite sides of the working diaphragm 20. Extending in opposite direction from the needle-bar 32 and in alinement with the center of the stylus and the working diaphragm is a projection 37, having an opening 38 to receive a needle 39, the latter being held in place by a set-screw 40.

According to my invention it is of the utmost importance to accomplish the desired results that the needle 39 be in direct axial alinement with the working diaphragm and the sounder, inasmuch as the sound-vibrations are concentrated and focused at the center of the sound-box. That these sounds may be relieved of the harsh and unnatural sounds the stylus is mounted to yield in transit over the sound-waves of the record, and by reason of the pivotal mounting the stylus may vibrate horizontally and follow the irregular sound-waves, the working diaphragm yielding sufiiciently. This movement insures all of the reproductions of the numerous horizontal irregularities of the sound-waves on the record. By positioning the stylus and its needle to yield in alinement with the sound-waves obstructions and unusual depressions in the path of the waves which now create the scraping sound do not reflect unnatural sounds and tones to the sound-box.

As seen in t e diagrammatic illustration shown in Fig. 1 ",3 it will be seen that when an unusual depression or obstruction occurs in the sound-wave the stylus will yield sufficient to prevent the scraping sound being conveyed to the diaphragm. This yielding of the stylus takes up the scraping sound, and the latter is prevented from being reproduced in the sound-box. The parts of my device are so related at the joints as to allow of the stylus yielding to such a degree as will enable me to accomplish the desired results. The actual yielding movement of the stylus is extremely small; but to illustrate it clearly I have greatly exaggerated it in the diaphragm. The forks of the stylus are so ad justed that where they contact with the diaphragm they are yieldingly held thereto, so that when the stylus yields the contact with the diaphragm does not become broken or displaced. Furthermore, the specific arrangement of the mountings of the needlebar permits the operator to take up the wear at the bearing-points to prevent the sound incident to the rattling of the parts being reflected to the soundbox. For instance, if the bearings of the needlebar should become worn, as they frequently do, the screw 7 is released and the spring 10 forces the plug 11 toward the needlebar with sufficient pressure to produce the best results, whereupon the screw 7 is tightened and the machine is ready for use. This adjustment is of the greatest importance, since it allows of an inexperienced operator adjusting and setting the stylus with relation to the working diaphragm and at the same time the yielding tendency of the stylus is not interfered with.

Those familiar with sound-boxes are fully acquainted with the unnatural and harsh sounds produced when a single diaphragm is used, and I have found that this objectionable' feature can be readily overcome by gathering and reflecting the sounds to a sympathetic diaphragm. It is therefore the pur pose of the diaphragm 24 to receive the sounds reflected from the diaphragm 20, and as it is unobstructed by contact at its center the sounds are gathered and neutralized, which results in the emitting of a blended harmonious reproduction of the sound-waves in the horn. The diaphragm 24 acts as a relay and intensifies the sound produced by the diaphragm 20, resulting in a rich, sweet, and natural reproduction. Should a record be used which has a low pitch and yet the speed of the machine be approximately right and it is desired to increase the pitch in certain or both sides of the working diaphragm 20, a pair of washers 50 will be placed adjacent the said diaphragm, as shown in Fig. 7. These washers have yielding surfaces 51 and are used in pairs of the same size and are furnished in sets ranging preferably from the size shown in Fig. 12 to that shown in Fig. 14. Obviously if a pair of washers (shown in Fig. 12) be placed each side of the diaphragm 20 the pitch of the sound will be greatly increased, whereas if a low pitch be required the washer having the smaller surface (shown in Fig. 14) would be used.

In applying the various washers to produce the best natural sound and effects the cover 26 is removed and the parts are separated and the desired pair of washers are inserted, and by increasing or decreasing the tension of the nuts 18 the sound is regulated to suit the ear of the hearer. The mounting of the needlebar readily permits of its proper adjustment when the washers are used.

The sympathetic diaphragm being housed intermediate the opening of the sound-tube and the working diaphragm, the blended and harmonious sounds are carried to the horn and distributed.

As shown in dotted lines at 52 in Fig. 7, a series of sympathetic diaphragms may be employed, if desired, one reflecting and blending the sound from the other.

For convenience the sound-box is applied to the arm 53 of the talking-machine byasetscrew 54.

In changing the washers to suit the varying circumstances it is obvious that the use of tools to gain access to the sound-box is entirely dispensed with, as it is only necessary to release the cover and fit the washers and then adjust the nuts accordingly.

WVhat I claim as new is A 1.v A sound -box comprising a casing formed with an opening, a working diaphragm, a sympathetic diaphragm spaced from the working diaphragm, the opening in the casing communicating with the space formed between the two diaphragms, and a stylus-lever passing through the opening and contacting with the working diaphragm.

2. A sound-box comprising a casing, a diaphragm, a stylus-lever in contact with the diaphragm, trunnions projecting from the stylus-lever, a fixed bearing to receive one of the trunnions, a movable bearing having means to normally force it toward the other trunnion, and means for fastening the movable bearing after it has been set.

3. A sound-box comprising a casing, a diaphragm, a Hat spring-stylus lever which yields in two rightangular directions, the stylus-lever being in contact with the diaphragm, and adapted to move at right angles thereto under the inlluence of a soundrecord independently of said two yielding movements.

4. A sound-box comprising a casing, a diaphragm and a fork-shaped stylus-lever, the forks of which yield toward or from each other and embrace and contact with oppo site sides of the diaphragm, and means supporting the stylus-lever in relation to the diaphragm.

5. A sound-box comprising a casing, a diaphragm, a yielding fork-shaped stylus-lever which yields in two right-angular directions, the forks of the stylus-lever embracing and contacting with opposite sides of the dia phragm, and means supporting the styluslever in relation to the diaphragm.

6. A sound-box comprising a casing, a working diaphragm, a sympathetic diaphragm spaced from the working diaphragm, a fork-shapet'l stylus-lever, the forks of which yield toward or from each other and embrace and contact with opposite sides of the working diaphragm, one of the forks passing through the opening in the casing and into the space between the two diaphragms, and means supporting the stylus-lever in relation to the diaphragm.

7. A sound-box comprising a casing, a diaphragm. a stylus-lever having opposite bearing-points, a slidable hearing which receives one of the bearing-points, means tending to force the slidable bearing toward the stylus lever, and means for holding the slidable bearing in fixed position after the forcing means force it out.

8. A sound-box comprising a casing, a diaphragm, a stylus-lever which yields toward or from the plane of travel, bearings at opposite points to support the stylus-lever,springactuated means for taking up wear at the bearing-points, and means for holding said means after it has been set.

S). A sound-box ct'unprising a casing, a diaphragm, a fork-shaped stylus-lever which yields toward or from the plane of travel, the forks yieldingtoward or from each other, bearings at opposite points to support the stylus-lever, spring-actuated means forcing the bearings closer together, and means holding the forcing means after being set.

10. A soundbox comprising a casing, a diaphragm, a yielding horizontally-pivoted stylus-lever yieldingly contacting with the diaphragm, means under pressure for taking up wear at the pivotal points of the styluslever, and means fastening the take-up means after it has been set.

11. A sound-box comprising a casing, a diaphragm, a stylus-lever in contact with the diaphragm, trunnions projecting from the stylus-lever, bearings which receive the trun nions, means normally exerting pressure in line with the trunnions to decrease the distance between the bearings, and means retaining the fixed distance between the bearings after having been set.

12. A sound-box comprising a casing, a cover-plate formed with an opening for the exit of sound, a working diaphragm, a pivotallyanounted stylus-lever in touch with the working diaphragm, a sympathetic diaphragm, means adapted to be interposed in the sound-box to increase or decrease the pitch of sound, means under pressure hearing against one of the pivots of the stylus- ]ever to take up wear, and means for fastening the take-up means after it has been set.

13. A soundbox comprising a casing, a diaphragm, a seat therefor, a washer surrounding each side of the outer edge of the diaphragm, each washer extending beyond the seat toward the center of the diaphragm, means holding the washers and diaphragm in position, and a stylus-lever contacting with the diaphragm.

14. A sound-box comprising a casing, a diaphragm, a stylus-lever contacting with the diaphragm, a needle-bar with which the stylus-lever is connected, a trunnion at each end of the needle-bar, l.)earings for the trunnions, one of said bearings being spring-actuated, and means holding the spring-actuated bearing after it is set.

15. A sound-box comprising a casing, a diaphragm, a stylus-lever, bearings at oppo site points to support the stylus, one of said bearings being spring-actuated, means hold ing the spring-bearing after it has been set, and a needle-holder in line with the center of the stylus-lever.

16. A sound-box comprising a casing, a diaphragm, a stylus-lever which is forked at one end and has formed on. its forks contactpoints which yieldingly engage the center of the diaphragm, a needle-bar from which the stylus-lever projects, a needle-holder projecting from the needle-bar, the center of said needle-liar being in line with the center between the stylus-lever contact-points, and means for taking up wear of the needleholder.

17. A sound-box comprising a casing, a working diaphragm, a seat for the dia phragm, a piVotally-mounted yielding forked stylus-lever having contacts on adjacent faces of the forks, and two washers, one of said washers being placed on each side of the diaphragm and extending beyond the seat therefor.

18. A sound-box comprising a casing, a diaphragm, a fork-shaped stylus-lever, the forks of the stylus-lever yieldingly engaging opposite sides of the diaphragm, and a needle holder attached to the stylus-lever.

19. A sound-box comprising a casing, a working diaphragm, a seat therefor, a washer surrounding each side of the outer edge of the working diaphragm, each washer extending beyond the seat and toward the center of the working diaphragm, a sympathetic diaphragm spaced from the Working diaphragm and a stylus-lever contacting with the working diaphragm.

20. In combination, a sound-box, a styluslever, means adjusting the stylus-lever to take up Wear at the supporting-points, and means fastening the adjusting means after it has been adjusted.

21. In combination, a sound-box, a styluslever, bearings projecting from the soundboX to support the stylus-lever, one of said bearings being split and carrying an adjusting means which acts on the bearing of the stylus-lever, and means for tightening the split bearing after the adjusting means has been set.

In testimony whereof I affiX my signature in presence of two subscribing witnesses.

HENRY O. MILLER. l/Vitnesses:

VVM. F. PALMER, FRANCIS A. MARTIN. 

